This Moonshine Spiked Apple Pie and Berry Shrub is a birthday present for one of my favorite fellow RD foodies, the FABULOUS Regan Jones, who just so happens to be turning the big 4-0 today. Happy Birthday Reagan!!!
I wish I could say you beat me to the punch Regan, but, as I am now officially 2 years away from the big 5-0, I have a few words of wisdom to share before I toast you w/ a big ol’ glass of Apple Pie Berry Shrub. Here you go…
4 Things I’ve Learned in my 40’s…
1. As much as I focused my mid-late 30’s {when I had my children} up until recently on trying to achieve balance, it’s only over the past year that I’ve realized that the whole notion of work-life balance is kinda’, sorta’, a myth. And, not that I still don’t strive for overall balance in my life, it’s just that I’m finally now realizing that everyday might be different in terms of what I’m focusing on. And, this is ok. Right now I love the idea of “joyous living”-focusing on, immersing myself in, and truly trying to embrace what each day brings, both the good and the not-so-good. Any one else with me? What are your thoughts on this? I’d love to hear!
2. Lists, lists, and more lists! At this stage in my life, if I don’t write it down, it’s probably not going to happen. Sure, I have a few healthy habits that I don’t need write down, namely drink coffee and breathe {kinda’ joking…kinda” not}, but apart from that, I find myself {and my mind} so busy these days, that I rely more on lists that I ever have before. And, although I love old fashioned pen and paper, my life has been so much happier since I discovered Todoist because it syncs seamlessly between my Mac, my i Phone, and my i Pad. Seriously love it! Do you remember to do things on your own, or do you use lists? Do you have a favorite list app that you use, or do you prefer old fashioned pen and paper??
3. Weight Lifting is where it’s at right now. Don’t get me wrong, I still love cardio workouts, especially hiking and outside stair workouts by the beach, and think it’s important, but I’m also learning that one of the keys to living longer {and healthier} is strength training. I pretty much ignored weight lifting in my 20’s and 30’s {minus carrying my babies around}, but for the past couple of years, I’ve been trying to do more strength training and core work to keep my muscles strong, and my metabolism up. Yes, it’s true, and it totally sucks, but our metabolisms really do slow down as we get, ahem, older, but the good thing is that we can fight this with weight lifting, + healthy {and delicious} meals of course!
4. Surround yourself with the people you love {and be there for them, and let them be there for YOU!} This one doesn’t need much explanation, but family, friends, and community are one of the keys to living a healthy, joyful life. I’m pretty sure you’ve got this one figured out Regan, but, believe you me, I need all the help I can get 🙂 !
So there you have it, Regan, my words of advice for living a healthy, joyous life in your 40’s and beyond! Wishing you the happiest of birthdays and many more to come!
And now for that Moonshine Spiked Apple Pie Berry Shrub {inspired by this Gimlet Shrub of Regan’s, and her bootlegging Grandma :-)}
Moonshine Spiked Apple Pie Berry Shrub
Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen mixed berries, thawed
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoon pure maple syrup
- 3 ounces Apple Pie Moonshine {or another apple liqueur}, optional
- Sparkling Water
Instructions
- Combine thawed mixed berries {in their juice} in a small bowl with apple cider vinegar and maple syrup.
- Divide berry mixture in to two tall glasses, and top each off with {optional} 1 1/2 ounces of Apple Pie Moonshine, and sparkling water filled all the way to the top.
Nutrition
And, now let’s celebrate with a virtual surprise for Regan, and check out all the other delicious cocktails and birthday treats her blogging friends have made for her…
Hi There! I’m EA, a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) in sunny San Diego. I create easy, DELICIOUS gluten free recipes & low FODMAP recipes for a wide variety of diets. Learn more about my nutrition philosophy and my nutrition coaching for digestive health, autoimmune disease, wellness nutrition, & vibrant aging. Sign up for my newsletter, or get in touch~I’d love to connect with you!
